Jacksonville, FL Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)

Jacksonville's Property Safety and Maintenance Code requires every exterior door, hinge, and latch to be kept in good condition, and specifically requires that any door usable as an exit be fitted with a locking device that can still be opened from the inside without a key, tool, or special knowledge. Exterior doors must also fit their frames tightly (gap under the door no more than 3/8 inch) to keep out rain and pests. The Municipal Code Compliance Division enforces this as part of routine property maintenance inspections, and owners are responsible for keeping door hardware functional on both rental and owner-occupied properties.